Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department detectives are investigating a possible case of child neglect after determining that four juveniles, 10 to 16 years old, broke into a high school because they were hungry.

The break-in set off a burglary alarm at West Mecklenburg High School around 1:30 a.m. Monday, police said.

Responding officers discovered a broken window and said they discovered  the kids, who told them they were hungry and looking for food.

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“Oh, that’s real sad. That’s beyond my imagination,” said Reid Black, who lives across the street from the school.

“No, I just can’t imagine that. That is just hurtful. It hurts my heart,” said Donna Green, who has a child in high school.

Detectives took the three young girls and one boy to Carolinas Medical Center-University for observation.

Police said nobody was charged in connection with the break-in, and a resulting investigation into the children's situation was ongoing.

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Helen Gilbert places flowers on her brother Eurie Martin’s grave at Camp Spring Baptist Church in Sandersville. Her brother died eight years ago. Three former Washington County deputies are accused of causing his death and are set to stand trial Monday. (Miguel Martinez/AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez